title: Reformulation of existing antiretroviral drugs.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  In the last decade, there has been marked progress in the treatment of HIV/AIDS. Today, nearly 10 million people are receiving ART. Yet, there are several opportunities for the enhancement of current antiretroviral (ARV) drugs by developing new formulations, which could increase bioavailability, reduce pharmacokinetic variability, and reduce the total daily dose.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant developments are occurring in new formulations of ARV drugs. The introduction of once daily combination pills and combination dispersible pills for children have been important steps. Several researchers and pharmaceutical companies are using nanomedicine for improved formulations and to reduce the dose. Other novel methods include intramuscular depot formulations, vaginal gels for prevention of transmission and sprinkle formulations for children. Regulatory approval, efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness are factors that will have to be determined for the new formulations. Collaboration between pharmaceutical companies, academic centers, funding agencies and regulatory agencies will be crucial to achieve this goal.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In this review, we describe the objectives of new formulations, recent advances including combinations, copackaged drugs, nanomedicine, pediatric products and new routes of delivery and the challenges that lie ahead.
authors.affiliation: aMedical Services Department bIntegrated Product Development, Mumbai, India.
authors.forename: Jaideep A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Gogtay
authors.forename: Geena
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Malhotra
mesh_terms: D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / Q000379:methods*; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods*; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D055808:Drug Discovery / Q000639:trends; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D055118:Medication Adherence; D013678:Technology, Pharmaceutical / Q000639:trends; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies
chemical_list: D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents; D003692:Delayed-Action Preparations; D014622:Vaginal Creams, Foams, and Jellies